Virginia Staycation: 6 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

Known as the birthplace of the nation, the state of Virginia has plenty to offer families planning a staycation. From the rich history of Williamsburg and Jamestown to a safari park adventure, the Mother of States has something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are six great places to visit in Virginia:

1. Busch Gardens: Located in Williamsburg, this amusement park is modeled after classic Europe. Much like the Parisian streets of France, the hamlets of Scotland and the Oktoberfest celebrations of Germany. There are nine villages to explore and a vast collection of world-class roller coasters balanced with live entertainment for the entire family including kid-friendly rides for youngsters and breathtaking architecture and landscaping for everyone to enjoy.

2. Colonial Williamsburg: Spend a day in the colonial village, a living history museum. The 301 acre town includes buildings dating from 1699 to 1780 (during which the city was the capital of Colonial Virginia). This colonial American city includes dozens of authentic or re-created buildings related to colonial and American Revolutionary War. There are craftsman shops, demonstrations and restaurants.

3. Historic Jamestowne: Continue the magical history tour in Williamsburg's Historic Jamestown, the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery.

4. Virginia Safari Park: Located in Natural Bridge, families on a staycation can feed the herds of free-roaming animals from the car along the 3 mile drive. Animals such as the antelope, camel, deer, elk and llama. Walk through the 10 acre Safari Village and see tigers, cheetah, kangaroos, primates, reptiles, a wide variety of birds and much more.

5. Arlington Memorial Cemetery: For a humbling patriotic experience, visit the Arlington Memorial Cemetery. Discover a rich history, witness time-honored ceremonies, take in the scenic landscape and wonder among the headstones and monuments.

6. Luray Caverns: Located in Luray, families can explore a fascinating subterranean world. The largest cave in the Eastern U.S., visitors can see such bizarre formations like the "Throne Room," "Giant's Hall" and "Fried Eggs."

Known as the birthplace of the nation, the state of Virginia has plenty to offer families planning a staycation. From the rich history of Williamsburg and Jamestown to a safari park adventure, the Mother of States has something for everyone to enjoy.

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